If you think professional surfers have it made, well, for the most part you're not that far from the truth. The first few weeks of 2017 has already seen athletes thread the waters of Hawaii, California and Australia. Surfers will soon add another equally impressive destination to the bucket list.
Introducing, Martinique.
Frederico Morais wins the 2016 Martinique Surf Pro in great conditions on the final day of the event's waiting period.
Following the lengthy Australian leg, seven events of all shapes and sizes, as well as a quick stint in Tahiti; a lucky bunch will head to the Caribbean for a week of tropical weather, friendly locals and delicious food.
The event is a great show for some of the locals who welcome competitors into their homes. WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot
Of course it's not all fun and games, the Martinique Surf Pro, a QS3,000 event in its third year of existence, is an important stop for some of the leading surfers on the Qualifying Series.
Exhibit A: 2017 Championship Tour rookie Frederico Morais, took out the event in Martinique last year and gained momentum through the back-half of the season, claiming a ticket for the Championship Tour. The 3,000 points in Martinique were actually his third best result of the season, and played a huge role in his accession to the CT.
Morais' flow worked a charm in Martinique WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot
Unfortunately, not everyone can come out and play in Martinique. The restricted format of 128 athletes covers just about a fifth of the population of aspiring pro surfers on the QS and will once again welcome only A-list competitors.
For those who do get in though, the long walls of Basse-Pointe, the A-frame beaches in Tartane, a couple of heavier reefs and a long list of secluded desert peaks will be on hand.
More Tropical Goodness Coming Right Up !
Nicolas Leroy
If you think professional surfers have it made, well, for the most part you're not that far from the truth. The first few weeks of 2017 has already seen athletes thread the waters of Hawaii, California and Australia. Surfers will soon add another equally impressive destination to the bucket list.
Introducing, Martinique.
Following the lengthy Australian leg, seven events of all shapes and sizes, as well as a quick stint in Tahiti; a lucky bunch will head to the Caribbean for a week of tropical weather, friendly locals and delicious food.
Of course it's not all fun and games, the Martinique Surf Pro, a QS3,000 event in its third year of existence, is an important stop for some of the leading surfers on the Qualifying Series.
Exhibit A: 2017 Championship Tour rookie Frederico Morais, took out the event in Martinique last year and gained momentum through the back-half of the season, claiming a ticket for the Championship Tour. The 3,000 points in Martinique were actually his third best result of the season, and played a huge role in his accession to the CT.
Unfortunately, not everyone can come out and play in Martinique. The restricted format of 128 athletes covers just about a fifth of the population of aspiring pro surfers on the QS and will once again welcome only A-list competitors.
For those who do get in though, the long walls of Basse-Pointe, the A-frame beaches in Tartane, a couple of heavier reefs and a long list of secluded desert peaks will be on hand.
Frederico Morais
Through the Quarters on another pumping day at Ribeira d'Ilhas, Finals day is set for Sunday.
Only four remain at the EDP Billabong Pro Ericeira in Portugal, with 10,000 QS points at stake, who will win it all?
The EDP Billabong Pro Ericeira resumed in firing surf yet again, and there was plenty of drama.
Rights fire down the Ribeira point for three more rounds of competition.
Day 2 of the EDP Billabong Pro Ericeira continued in solid 6- to 8-foot surf with massive scores dropping all day.
Martinique Surf Pro
O baiano perdeu por pouco para o neozelandês Ricardo Christie na decisão da etapa do Caribe.
Kiwi Ricardo Christie claims top honors on final day of Martinique Surf Pro.
The former CT athlete gets winning form back in the Caribbean and climbs up the qualifying ladder.
Surfers enjoy a lay day with waves and put on a little show for the spectators at Basse-Pointe.
On the eve of finals day, only four surfers remain in contention for the Martinique Title.